Indonesian Minister of Education and Social Culture; Bpk. Akhmad Daya Handasah Irfan giving his opening remarks.
Merah Putih Club members.
International models parading traditional Indonesian clothes.
The night was filled with live performances from Indonesian celebrity bands.
The Indonesian Minister of Education and Social Culture officially welcoming the new Merah Putih committee.
This year’s Monophone Festival was a filled with excitement and cheer, with over 400 people gathered at the Limkokwing Hall of Fame to watch the energy filled performances by member of the Merah Putih club and some guest artists.
The event was attended by the Indonesian Minister of Education and Social Culture; Bpk. Akhmad Daya Handasah Irfan, Limkokwing University’s Vice President, Brand, Creativity and Talent Development; Dato’ Tiffanee Marie Lim, and Merah Putih Club founder, Mr. Dipa Sitepu.
The club had prepared a lively and energetic line-up for the audience, with intention to not only show Indonesia art, but also to portray the spirit of Indonesians, and give people the warm welcome of the country itself.
“We want something different, something that portrays Indonesia in a fun and interesting way,” I Putu Aditya Prabawa Budiasa, Merah Putih President.
The guest where treated to an assortment of Indonesian cuisine at the Pakserda Bazaar before the start of the event. There was also a display of magnificent artwork by talented Indonesian artists like Nadya Puspa, Thomas Kurniawan, Aban Goldrick, and Mario Ardi.
The event featured performances by Indonesian guest bands, including: Recall Band; an indie band made up of four people, Bubugiri; a jazz acoustic music duo that has played internationally, and Barry Likumahuwa Project; an award winning band which brought lively cheer to the festival with their ‘soul-funk-jazz’ performance.
The artists praised the Merah Putih Club for organizing such a quality event and bringing attention to Indonesian culture and crafts. All the guest performers voiced their support for the club and the festival, and said they will happily attend the event again.
“I fully support this event, as it gives international exposure to Indonesian creativity and talent, taking part in it is an honor for me,’ Thomas Kurniawan said.
The night continued with the Saman Club performing the fast paced rhythmic traditional Indonesian saman dance, captivating the audience with the common harmony between the dancers.
A new-formed girl band; Little L’uke & Coco, played the ukulele, belting out melodious songs from traditional patriotic songs to the newer popular one that had the audience singing along.
Another lively performance was the modern dance by Monochrome; a dance group that mixes a variety of dance styles, from hip hop moves to contemporary dance.
This year the club added a fashion show; a new element to their annual performances. Traditional Indonesian clothes were modeled by models from all over the world.
As the club changes committee each year to give each member a chance in the running of the club’s events, the new Merah Putih committee was introduced at the event. Yusuf Auliadilaga, Muhammad Ridhwan, and Shona Maskun are the new Merah Putih Club 2014 -2015 committee.
